Popularly referred to as the Coca Cola route, the Marangu route boasts an epic trek up Mt Kilimanjaro and it is the only route that offers sleeping huts, which are structured in dormitory-style accommodation. As the oldest and most well-established route, climbers favor the Marangu route because it is essentially the easiest path in the mountains.
The Marangu route approaches Mt Kilimanjaro from the southeast, beginning with a drive to the Marangu gate. Its path leads climbers through the forest, opening into high moorland as you get your first view of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. From there, you continue your way to the summit. With a high summit success rate due to its relative ease, the Coca Cola route is the perfect route for a one of a kind journey to the highest point of Africa. Here’s what to expect on your 7-day Marangu route climb:
The Marangu Route is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit and is known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp.
This route is usually done in 5 days, but you can do it in 6 days for better acclimatization. You can spend your extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a base camp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.
Arrival and Departure: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our experienced drivers and your Mountain Guide who will escort you to your reserved hotel in Arusha Town.
Overnight at Zawadi House on Bed and Breakfast
Height (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitation: Rain Forest
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Marangu gate for the necessary formalities before beginning your trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rainforest, near the upper edge of the forest line (keep an eye out for blue monkeys). The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until you reach Mandara Hut.
Height (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitation: Health
Your second day on the track begins with a steep, but not technical ascent through forest and opens into high moorland. If the weather allows, you may get your first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Height (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitation: Alpine Desert
Today you climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach your campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp you rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day.
Height (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
Habitation: Arctic
Leaving very early in the morning (around midnight), you continue your way to the summit in hopes of catching the sunrise. The trail is a series of switchbacks up a steep scree slope, with climbers stretched into the darkness, visible only by headlamps. It is important to focus on breathing and foot placement. The views from the summit are dramatic and immense. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, you descend to Horombo Hut.
Height (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitation: Rain Forest
A long trek is in store for today, however, it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, you will receive your certificates that prove your achievement. Don’t forget to tip your guides, cook and porters. A vehicle will meet you at the Park Gate to drive you back to the hotel in Arusha for a celebration.
Overnight at Zawadi House on Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport for your onward flight.
“End of service”.
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